Tuesday, July 1, 2014

The Book of Life

This past week my family went to watch the movie How to Train your Dragon 2, a highly anticipated movie at my house. During the movie trailer marathon before it started, we watched the trailer for The Book of Life, from producer Guillermo del Toro and director Jorge Gutierrez. (The movie kind of seems like Corpse Bride goes to South America.) I am so excited for this movie, not just for me. But, I am also hoping the movie will take some fear away. While I didn't have a lot of families that chose not to let their child participate in the cultural activities of el dia de los muertos or day of the dead, I did have some. At the time I was also at a school that was 60% hispanic and a title 1 school. Now I am at a school that is a higher income, still about 50% hispanic, but not a title 1 school. Last year I did not do any day of the dead activities. Curious to see if this school is receptive of this celebration. Has anyone else seen this trailer? Do you think movies like this can help people be less fearful? Is this a cultural celebration you acknowledge in your classroom?

About Me

I am the K-5 art teacher for Elm Grove Elementary in the Hays school district, just outside of Austin, Tx. I am in my 20th year of teaching and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I pretty much have the best job ever! I love experimenting with materials, lessons with Literacy, adding in cultural experiences, as well as studying great artist from the past and present.

Splash

Welcome to my art blog. This is meant to be a place for me to document art projects and happenings here at school and sometimes in the district. My hope is that students and their families will visit from time to time and catch up on what is happening in the art room throughout the school year. This is also a place to share with other art teachers and educators. If you visit my page, I would love for you to join and comment on the art pieces. The more, the merrier!!